ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Integrating Spirituality with Economics: Analyzing Srimanta Sankardeva’s Economic Ideals

The paper speaks about the revolutionary impact of Srimanta Sankardeva’s teachings on Economic Development of Assam. In present scenarios people are aware that Sankaradeva was not only a “Dharma Guru” but also, he had a high managerial aptitude. The common people generally know him as a religious preacher, literary figure and cultural maestro. But he was more than that. He was a good innovator and planner. The concept of local self-administration was first introduced in Assam by Sri Sankaradeva through “Name Ghar” and thus he introduced the decentralisation of power. Commercial skilled weaving was practiced during the time of Sri Sakaradeva. The making of “Vrindavani Vatsra” is the best example of his commercial idea. The paper also addresses social, political and economic consequences of “Bhakti Movement” and the ongoing relevance to the socio-economic upliftment of the society. Keywords: Economic Development, Local Self-Administration, Decentralisation of Power, Vrindavani Vatsra, Bhakti Movement